The new, all-electric 2023 Cadillac Lyriq is the first rear-wheel-drive crossover from the luxury automaker in over a decade, revealing the performance nature of its first electric vehicle.
For example, first-generation Cadillac SRX was built on the Sigma platform, making it rear-drive-based. Since then, however, all Cadillac crossovers have been front-drive based, sharing platforms originally slated for other vehicles within the GM portfolio.
There were discussions about basing the Cadillac XT4 on Alpha I (which underpinned the Cadillac ATS) to make it rear drive, but that never happened. Nor did the plans to base the Cadillac XT6 on Omega to make it rear drive.
The rear-drive setup of the Cadillac Lyriq is quite significant since RWD is typically associated with better driving dynamics compared to front-drive or front-drive-based AWD vehicles. This doesn’t apply quite as much to electric vehicles since the powertrain layout and associated weight distribution is different than with ICE-based vehicles.
Nevertheless, rear-wheel drive is the way to go when it comes to luxury vehicles, and performance ones in particular, with the majority of the most desirable models being rear-drive biased. Think BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Genesis, Land Rover and Range Rover, Lincoln Aviator, etc.
Cadillac has accordingly used the performance-oriented rear-drive setup in its Lyriq crossover just like its luxury performance sedans, including the CT4-V Blackwing, the CT5-V Blackwing and the discontinued CT6-V. The CT4 and CT5 are based on Alpha 2, while the CT6 was based on Omega.
The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq represents the first model year of the upcoming electric crossover while also being the brand’s first all-electric vehicle. As such, the Lyriq ushers in a new era in luxury, technology, and electrification. The vehicle is built on the GM BEV3 platform using GM Ultium batteries and Ultium Drive motors.
The Lyriq is also the first vehicle to flaunt the brand’s next-generation styling, offering signature vertical lighting along with Cadillac’s distinctive black crystal grille. Featuring a profile reminiscent of a shooting brake, the all-electric crossover is slightly larger than the current Cadillac XT5.
Inside, the Cadillac Lyriq’s interior is clean and simple with a focus on secondary and tertiary design elements, including intricate laser etched patterns through wood over metal decor. It comes very well equipped, including front massaging seats, a new Surround Vision Recorder, and GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving technology. A 33-inch-diagonal, curved, advanced LED screen will also come standard, featuring a unique Human-Machine Interface (HMI) designed using software from Altia.
Other highlights of the Cadillac Lyriq include Cadillac’s next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system and an AKG Studio 19-speaker audio system with headrest-mounted speakers, a new dual-plane augmented reality-enhanced head-up display, and supervised remote parking.
Pricing for the new, all-electric, rear-wheel-drive 2023 Cadillac Lyriq Debut Edition starts at $59,990 in the U.S., including destination freight charge, and production is set to begin at the GM Spring Hill Assembly plant in Tennessee in early 2022. Cadillac started accepting reservations on September 18th at 4 pm EST and the initial Debut Edition sold out just a few minutes thereafter.
Cadillac recently posted a walkaround video of the Lyriq, giving fans a good idea of what to expect when the rear-drive crossover electric crossover begins arriving at dealerships early next year.
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Comments
I love the look of the new Cadillac Lyriq and what it represents to the future of the automobile industry, however, to actually purchase one at this time…. I’m not quite there yet to go totally electric ⚡️!
I’m still waiting for my 2022 Cadillac XT5 which I ordered in mid August, but still in the dark at this point if production has even started back up on them yet!
I too like the looks, but it is unobtainium probably until 2023 at least. I also have a feeling the people who actually got one of the Debut editions got a steal. It is well equipped, and I expect prices to jump 20k(or more) on the next batch.
The fact that I cannot order AWD at all is extremely frustrating here in Wisconsin. Our dealership has multiple people who want one and NONE of them want rear wheel drive. Can’t really compete with Tesla when we don’t offer something the customer would consider competition.
AWD is coming next.
@Brock
Cadillac only sold the Launch Edition first which is only RWD.
Starting in August from all reports anyone can place an order for the upcoming year which will also have AWD as an option. It seems like they will produce ONLY 1500 and I think they did that to see what they can learn from those vehicles. Pretty smart move but they are quickly falling behind the German Big Three. Cadillac needs much more that just the Lyriq. Hopefully they announce one new BEV segment per year until 2030.
That would be seven Vehicles, very doable.
Long Term Cadillac needs to add Convertible (Based off the 3 Series vehicle) Roadster, and maybe even an ultra high Performance Sports Car like the Audi R8
I believe there will be new BEVs introduced yearly till product line-up is satisfied by 2025.
This is a base model. They will have more powerful models with Awd. I’m pretty sure they will offer more luxurious second row inside. L
That’s good. Hate fwd proportions.
I agree, the fwd based cadillac suv have short hood and dash to axle ratio is short, that makes it look like a van. The new lyriq looks much better with a longer hood and longer dash to axle ratio.
True bro. Interesting when the Celestiq will be shown?
I have been stating for years that the upcoming shift to EV’s will allow Cadillac to finally become a Tier One Luxury Brand once again. They are in the lead it seems from the Japanese Luxury Brands but a little bit behind the German Big Three which all have multiple BEV’s on offer already. GM has such a HUGE opportunity in front of them just as long as they execute properly. From the looks of the Lyriq it seems that Cadillac will be making some great vehicles. If the only thing people can complain about (me included) is a lack of a Frunk then they smashed a Home Run with their first BEV.
Cannot wait to see what the Cadillac Brand will become in the near future. Very exciting times ahead.
Wait a minute who exactly are you referring to when you say tier 1? Because I can guarantee with that comment you just made you must have a bunch of “tiers”
The problem is Cadillac FWD CUVs weren’t as good as the Audi ones. There’s no problem with FWD or AWD SUVS, but when all of them offer average handling and the same anemic 2,0 engine, well, the thing is going wrong.
I’m not going to waste my keystrokes or breath on which platforms GM should have based the XT4/5/6, so here’s hoping that the Lyric will be a class leader. If the price can stay competitive to its competition already out there and upcoming (EV versions of X5, Q5/7, GLE and next XC90), then Cadillac and GM for once can be more than competitive instead of its usual decade late to the party and showing up with a bean counter vehicle (XT6). By the way, I really hope GM is sandbagging the 300 mile range because that’s not going to cut it. Tough love here, GM, but know that I’m rooting for you and Cadillac.
Let Buick cater to attainable luxury FWD market. Cadillac needs to distance themselves away from FWD and I’m glad that the future lineup will all be RWD w/ RWD-based AWD as standard.
From the interior specs I’ve seen, I can’t tell. Has anyone seen specs that would indicate of 8′ wood like 2×4’s will fit? I have a CTS wagon and I’ve transported lumber numerous times. Not alot at once, but sometimes you just need a couple of pieces to fix a fence or some project and having the ability to load it into the wagon is great.
Considering it’s 196.7 inches long, 77.8 inches wide, 63.9 inches high, rear collapsing seats, and a power lift gate, there should be little issue with tasks like that.